Southern Africa: Once-in-a-lifetime experience on the African Continent with the post-cruise program "From Zimbabwe to South Africa on a Luxury Train" (port-to-port cruise)

Day 1 Johannesburg (South Africa)

We’ll meet up at the hotel at 11:30 a.m. We’ll have lunch before visiting the Apartheid Museum(1) which opened in 2001. It is famous the world over for being the first museum centering on South African history in the 20th century, and more particularly on Apartheid. Afterwards, we’ll set off for a panoramic tour of the city. In addition to being South Africa’s financial capital, Johannesburg is also the city of superlatives. It is indeed the richest town in Africa, with the tallest buildings and widest social discrepancies, but is also infused with one of the best atmospheres you’ll ever come across. We’ll arrive at our five-star hotel LS where you’ll be welcome to settle into your rooms before dinner. You’ll spend the night at the hotel.  

Day 1 Johannesburg (South Africa)

We’ll meet up at the hotel at 11:30 a.m. We’ll have lunch before visiting the Apartheid Museum(1), the first museum centering on South African history in the 20th century. Afterwards, we’ll set off for a panoramic tour of Johannesburg, the city of superlatives. We’ll arrive at our five-star hotel LS. You’ll enjoy dinner and spend the night at the hotel.  

Day 2 Johannesburg - Kasane - Arrival at LODGE (South Africa-Botswana-Namibia)

We’ll take a regular flight from Johannesburg to Kasane, Botswana. You’ll be transferred from the airport to your CroisiEurope lodge on board a small private boat. Take advantage of your trip to observe the numerous bird species living among the flooded flatlands. You may even catch a glimpse of a few hippos or crocodiles basking in the sun! You’ll be greeted by our crew upon arrival and settle into your comfortable lodge. We’ll have dinner and spend the night at the lodge in absolute tranquility at the heart of the wilderness.

Day 2 Johannesburg - Kasane - Arrival at LODGE (South Africa-Botswana-Namibia)

We’ll take a regular flight from Johannesburg to Kasane, Botswana. You’ll be transferred from the airport to your CroisiEurope lodge on board small private boats. You’ll settle into your comfortable lodge ideally located at the heart of the wilderness. We’ll have dinner and spend the night at the lodge.

Day 3 LODGE: Chobe National Park (Namibia-Botswana)

We’ll journey out on a full-day safari in Jeeps to explore the Chobe National Park that is home to more than 1/4 of the total elephant population in Africa. Enjoy lunch in a “floating restaurant” in the middle of the river where the views of the surrounding nature are unparalleled. Afterwards, we’ll board a small private boat and sail off on Chobe River all the way to Sedudu Island and its marshes. We’ll have dinner and spend the night at the lodge.

Day 3 LODGE: Chobe National Park (Namibia-Botswana)

Enjoy a full-day safari in Jeeps to explore the Chobe National Park and its majestic fauna. Lunch in a “floating restaurant” with incredible views of the surrounding nature. Afterwards, we’ll board small private boats and sail off on Chobe River all the way to Sedudu Island and its marshes. We’ll have dinner and spend the night at the lodge.

Day 4 LODGE: Impalila Island (Namibia)

Join us for a trip to authentic villages on Impalila Island, Namibia, to discover the traditional Namibian houses, culture and customs. We’ll return to our lodge for lunch. This afternoon, you can enjoy time at leisure at the lodge, taking advantage of the pool and comfortable fittings, or join us for a discovery of the Zambezi River on a small private boat. We’ll have dinner at the lodge. Tonight, let your guide tell you all about the traditions of this particular island. We’ll spend the night at the lodge.

Day 4 LODGE: Impalila Island (Namibia)

Discover traditional villages on Impalila Island. We’ll return to our lodge for lunch. This afternoon, you can enjoy time at leisure at the lodge or join us for a discovery of the Zambezi River on small private boats. We’ll have dinner at the lodge. Tonight, let your guide tell you all about the traditions of this particular island. Night spent at the lodge.

Day 5 Lodge - Kasane - Lake Kariba - BOARDING THE SHIP (Namibia-Botswana-Zimbabwe)

We’ll depart from the lodge for one last water safari in the Chobe National Park area. After lunch along the water, we'll set out for the Kasane airport. On board private planes, you’ll be amazed at the stunning panoramas over Lake Kariba and the changing landscapes of the wilderness during your flight from Kasane to Kariba. You’ll be transferred to board the ship and comfortably settle into your cabins. We’ll start sailing across the lake. Reaching over 140mi/200km in length and spanning a distance of approximately 25mi/40km at its widest point, the lake flooded flatlands, hills and forests alike, creating unique and emblematic landscapes. We’ll have dinner and spend the night on board.   

Day 5 Lodge - Kasane - Lake Kariba - BOARDING THE SHIP (Namibia-Botswana-Zimbabwe)

Enjoy one last water safari in the Chobe National Park area. After lunch along the water, we'll set out for the Kasane airport. On board small private planes, you’ll discover the stunning panoramas over Lake Kariba during your flight from Kasane to Kariba. You’ll be transferred to board the ship and comfortably settle into your cabins. We’ll start sailing across the lake. We’ll have dinner and spend the night on board.  

Day 6 SHIP: LAKE KARIBA - SAILING ON THE GACHE-GACHE RIVER (Zimbabwe)

At sunrise, we’ll set sail through the rare and mysterious landscapes of Lake Kariba where drowned trees reach skywards from the depths of the reflecting water. We’ll set out on a small private boat to discover the Gache Gache River and its unique wildlife. Gliding along its meanders, large bends and small, unspoiled inlets, you’ll be amazed by the magical atmosphere all around. We’ll return on board for lunch. This afternoon, we’ll sail towards Changa. When the sun starts to set, we'll set out on a small private boat to admire the changing colors of the sky. We’ll have dinner and spend the night on board.

Day 6 SHIP: LAKE KARIBA - SAILING ON THE GACHE-GACHE RIVER (Zimbabwe)

At sunrise, we’ll set sail through Lake Kariba. We’ll set out on small private boats to discover the Gache Gache River and its unique wildlife. We’ll return on board for lunch. This afternoon, we’ll sail towards Changa. Later, we'll set out on small private boats to admire the sunset. We’ll have dinner and spend the night on board.

Day 7 SHIP: LAKE KARIBA - MATUSADONA NATIONAL PARK (Zimbabwe)

We’ll journey out this morning on a safari to discover the area around Matusadona National Park. Bordered by the Sanyati and Ume Rivers, this 1,400km²/540 sq mi-large untouched area is home to numerous animal species such as elephants, hippos, crocodiles, buffalos as well as thousands of birds, among which the legendary African Sea Eagle, the majestic Yellow-billed Stork, or the Black Heron with its interesting hunting method. We might be lucky enough to cross paths with a big cat or two! The history of the park is closely linked with that of the lake: during the construction of the dam, the rising floodwaters affected the native wildlife although the damage was mitigated by Operation Noah, an initiative which saved the lives of over 6,000 animals. This rescue operation allowed for large mammals, big cats, impalas and more to be moved to Matusadona where hunting is strictly prohibited. We’ll enjoy lunch on board and start sailing again. During this time, a round table will be the opportunity to learn more about the creation of the Lake, its inhabitants as well as its ecosystem. We’ll have dinner and spend the night on board.

Day 7 SHIP: LAKE KARIBA - MATUSADONA NATIONAL PARK (Zimbabwe)

We’ll journey out this morning on a safari to discover the area around Matusadona National Park and its numerous wild animals. We’ll enjoy lunch on board and start sailing again. During this time, a round table will be the opportunity to learn more about the creation of the Lake, its inhabitants as well as its ecosystem. We’ll have dinner and spend the night on board.

Day 8 SHIP: KARIBA - Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

At sunrise, we’ll set sail towards Kariba to disembark and journey out to the airport.  We’ll discover the gigantic Kariba Dam which was created in 1955 to form Lake Kariba. Today, the dam serves as a source of electric power for 70% of Zimbabwe. You’ll get to discover the history and legends surrounding the creation of the lake, including the tale of NyamiNyami, the river god. We’ll fly out to Victoria Falls on board private planes. Enjoy an exceptional lunch cruise on the Zambezi River, upstream from the falls. This afternoon, we’ll leave for a tour on foot of the falls where the views are among the most exceptional in the world. We’ll also see where the Zambezi River plunges over the cliff to become the widest waterfall in the world, creating the “smoke that thunders.” Tonight, enjoy dinner and spend the night at a four-star hotel LS.

Day 8 SHIP: KARIBA - Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

At sunrise, we’ll set sail towards Kariba to disembark and journey out to the airport. We’ll discover the gigantic Kariba Dam which was created to form Lake Kariba before flying out to Victoria Falls on board private planes. Lunch cruise on the Zambezi River. This afternoon, enjoy a tour on foot of the falls. Tonight, enjoy dinner and spend the night at a four-star hotel LS.

Day 9 Victoria Falls

Optional early morning excursion: Soar over Victoria Falls in a helicopter (must reserve when signing up for the cruise).Lunch will be served at the hotel. Guided tour of Victoria Falls Bridge. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, this superstructure spans the Zambezi River and connects Zimbabwe and Zambia. Learn about the history of the bridge and set off on a stroll across its walkways for some impressive views. You'll then head to the Victoria Falls train station, where you'll settle comfortably in your suite as the train sets out for a 932-mile trip (1,500 km). Enjoy dinner in the Dining Car and the night on board as the train begins its travels towards Southern Zimbabwe.

Day 10 Hwange National Park (Zimbabwe)

Morning dedicated to exploring Hwange National Park in four-wheel-drive vehicles. The best place for safaris in Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park, was delineated in 1928 and is one of the best places to observe the impressive "Big Five" animals: lions, African buffalo, leopards, rhinoceroses, and elephants. The park is home to the largest elephant population in the country. The train will continue on its way while lunch is served on board. You'll travel along one of the longest straight-line railroad tracks in the world this afternoon, approximately 71 miles (114 km). The line passes through Bulawayo, the second largest city in Zimbabwe and the industrial capital of the country. We'll have dinner and spend the night on board.

Day 11 Relaxing day on board (Zimbabwe - South Africa)

Sit back and enjoy the scenery from the Observation Car as the train crosses the border and the Limpopo River before arriving in Musina, South Africa. We'll have lunch on board. We'll cross the Tropic of Capricorn, the southern-most latitude where the sun appears directly overhead at noon during the December solstice. Enjoy the tea service in the Lounge as the train continues its trips through the spa town formerly known as Warmbaths, now renamed in the local language as Bela Bela ("boiling, boiling"). Next is the city of Nylstroom, called Nyl by its first inhabitants, who believed they had discovered the source of the Nile River. The vast golden plains of Highveld, where zebras and antelope abound, will close out this adventure. We'll have dinner and spend the night on board.

Day 12 Pretoria - Johannesburg

Enjoy one last breakfast on board before disembarking. Visit the Rovos Rail museum to see its antique rail collection. You'll be transferred to the center of Pretoria—called Jacaranda City, as the tropical jacaranda trees turn the city a magnificent purple hue each spring. Enjoy a panoramic tour of the "Executive Capital" of South Africa. Discover its famous Union Building, home to the South African presidential offices. The building has been the site of many important events, including Nelson Mandela's inauguration. We'll have lunch in the city. You'll be transferred to the airport in Johannesburg. End of our services at OR Tambo airport around 5:00 pm.